Letter of Support: Ric Oliva
“Starks will work to find common ground“
As a former School Board member, I can tell you from experience that Heather Starks is exactly what the Bloomington School Board needs. Heather is a lifelong Bloomington resident, attended Bloomington public school from K-12, and takes pride in our community. She’s a licensed teacher with experience in our district, giving her insight into challenges educators face every day. She’s a leader in the community, advocating for all children as president of the Minnesota PTA, Bloomington PTSA Council, Hillcrest PTSA, and Early Childhood/Family Education Parent Advisory Council. As a mother of three, Heather knows the challenges parents face while advocating for their own children.
I have known Heather since we attended Kindergarten together at Oak Grove. I have never heard a bad word said about her, and I would describe her as kind, caring, and strong. She is open to hearing all sides of a topic before forming an opinion and is willing to work to find common ground with those whom she may disagree. Her commitment to remaining non-partisan in this race may have cost her endorsements, but I see that as a beacon of light in our ever-divided society.
I had the opportunity to work with Heather as a founding member of the Bloomington Public Schools Advocacy Council. Heather was able to step into the role as chair with little direction, turn an idea into a plan and see those plans through to completion. After knowing Heather since I was five years old to seeing her ability to lead to witnessing her testify in front of the state legislature on behalf of schools, I have no reservations giving her my full confidence and support and recommending to others to vote for Heather Starks for Bloomington School Board.
While fulfilling your duty in voting for Bloomington School Board members, here are some questions and comments for your consideration in choosing your candidate.
Who has connections with the city and public schools that may suggest an affinity for Bloomington? Who demonstrates skills, maturity, talent and wisdom in representing you? Who sustains meaningful contributions to Bloomington Public Schools over time?
Who demonstrates clear, well-grounded thinking and leadership, capable of joining and assisting a team promoting effective decision-making and problem-solving with complex issues facing our public schools?
The answer to who is Heather Starks. We have worked with her for several years and believe she fulfills all of the qualities listed above. A lifelong Bloomington resident educated in Bloomington schools, she has a well-established interest in Bloomington and its public schools, and is well prepared to serve on its school board.
Heather’s resume is impressive. She is a licensed teacher in Minnesota, featuring 20 years of classroom experience, including Bloomington Public Schools. She has experience teaching adults, middle school students and preschool children. Heather earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and recently completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program hosted by the Center for Policy Design in St. Paul and the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C.
Currently, she chairs the Bloomington Public Schools Advocacy Council, of which she was a founding member, and is in her third year as president of the Minnesota PTA. In this later role, she oversees around 200 local Minnesota units representing approximately 8,000 individual members. Previous leadership experience within Bloomington Public Schools includes serving as president/vice-president/chair of the Community Services Advisory Board, Bloomington PTSA Council, Hillcrest PTSA, and Early Childhood Family Education’s Parent Advisory Council.
Letter of Support: Dennis Kane and Lynne Scherer
“Starks is a dedicated leader“
While fulfilling your duty in voting for Bloomington School Board members, here are some questions and comments for your consideration in choosing your candidate.
Who has connections with the city and public schools that may suggest an affinity for Bloomington? Who demonstrates skills, maturity, talent and wisdom in representing you? Who sustains meaningful contributions to Bloomington Public Schools over time?
Who demonstrates clear, well-grounded thinking and leadership, capable of joining and assisting a team promoting effective decision-making and problem-solving with complex issues facing our public schools?
The answer to who is Heather Starks. We have worked with her for several years and believe she fulfills all of the qualities listed above. A lifelong Bloomington resident educated in Bloomington schools, she has a well-established interest in Bloomington and its public schools, and is well prepared to serve on its school board.
Heather’s resume is impressive. She is a licensed teacher in Minnesota, featuring 20 years of classroom experience, including Bloomington Public Schools. She has experience teaching adults, middle school students and preschool children. Heather earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and recently completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program hosted by the Center for Policy Design in St. Paul and the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C.
Currently, she chairs the Bloomington Public Schools Advocacy Council, of which she was a founding member, and is in her third year as president of the Minnesota PTA. In this later role, she oversees around 200 local Minnesota units representing approximately 8,000 individual members. Previous leadership experience within Bloomington Public Schools includes serving as president/vice-president/chair of the Community Services Advisory Board, Bloomington PTSA Council, Hillcrest PTSA, and Early Childhood Family Education’s Parent Advisory Council.
Heather’s dedication, quality of character, education, work experience and esteemed achievements call for your vote. Give Heather Starks the opportunity to serve honorably and productively as your school board representative.
Letter of Support: Bill Holm
“Nonpartisan candidates“
In this schizoid, bipolar political world where temper tantrums and name-calling have replaced thoughtful debate on the issues, it is unusual to find candidates who avoid the histrionics of the day. It is rare to find candidates who evade any kind of political labeling or typecasting.
Heather Starks and Susan Woodruff are two such candidates. They are both running independent campaigns without the formal endorsement from either political party.
Starks, a teacher and past president of Bloomington PTSA Council, is an apolitical candidate running for the Bloomington School Board.
Woodruff, a lifelong Bloomington resident and community advocate, is a strong-willed and impartial candidate running for Bloomington City Council District II.
Neither candidate has been shaped or molded by the left or the right, but walk their own walk.
While speaking with both candidates, I was struck by their detailed knowledge of the issues significant to the positions they are seeking. Starks has an encyclopedic mind and can rattle off facts and figures faster than a spinning reel. Woodruff is no sluggard either when it comes to figuring out much the latest megaproject will cost the city. I also came away with a sense of their dedication and passion for the people they will be serving in schools, in the communities they live and in public meetings.
At a time when every issue has become intensely political and when outside money is funneled down to local elections, it is good to know that there are a few candidates who don’t have a hidden agenda. As a Bloomington resident, it is immensely gratifying to know that for Starks and Woodruff, what you see is what you get.
It’s time we rid local government of partisan politics.
Vote Starks and Woodruff on the Nov. 5 Bloomington ballot.
Letter of Support: Dick Bergstrom
“My homework”
With a week to go before Election Day, I thought I would share the results of my homework. I met Heather over a decade ago when we worked together for the Parent Advisory Council. Ever since then she has been a consistent presence in our schools, always giving back. I’ve never heard an unkind word said about her. Heather is a consummate team player who understands the difference between governance and administration. She is in my opinion, the best qualified non incumbent on the ballot. She is ready for this incredibly important position and she has my vote.